Fusconaia masoni
EN

Fusconaia masoni

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_pigtoe

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Fusconaia masoni faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural runoff and sedimentation in its river systems. Dam construction and water diversions have altered natural flow regimes essential for this mussel's reproductive cycle, while invasive zebra mussels compete for resources and attach to native shells, often causing mortality.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater mussel inhabits clean, flowing rivers and streams with stable gravel and sand substrates in the Mississippi River basin. It requires well-oxygenated waters with specific fish hosts for its larval stage, typically found in medium to large river systems with moderate current flow.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in UNIONIDAE

VU

Brazzaea anceyi

Unknown
Lampsilis higginsiiEN

Lampsilis higginsii

Unknown
CR

Recovery Pearly Mussel

Elliptio nigella

Declining
EN

Triangle Pigtoe

Fusconaia lananensis

Declining

Threatened in United States

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula

Unknown
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

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EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Fusconaia masoni classified as Endangered?
Fusconaia masoni is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Fusconaia masoni faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural runoff and sedimentation in its river systems. Dam construction and water diversions have altered natural flow regimes essential for this mussel's reproductive cycle, while invasive zebra mussels compete for resources and attach to native shells, often causing mortality.
Where does Fusconaia masoni live?
Fusconaia masoni occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Fusconaia masoni?
The main threats to Fusconaia masoni are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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